BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 10, 2024

HEAD-ON COLLISION IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

A head-on collision between a city bus and a car on the Golden Strip in Loyalsock Township shut down a lane of traffic yesterday afternoon and caused several injuries.  According to the Sun Gazette, 4 passengers of a River Valley Transit bus and the driver of a Nissan Altima were treated for injuries with two vicitims involved transported to UPMC Williamsport.  Police say the driver of the Altima turned in front of the bus to enter a parking lot near Westminster Drive just before 4:30pm.  The accident caused authorities from Loyalsock Township and South Williamsport to divert traffic from the eastbound lanes while they cleaned up.  One westbound lane of East Third Street remained open.

MILLVILLE MAN CHARGED WITH BURGLARY, DRUG POSSESSION

A 43 year old Millville man had an arraignment last Thursday in Lycoming County Court answering to two counts of felony charges of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine from two incidents last year, as well as unauthorized use of a motor vehicle for illegally operating a golf cart on Gardner Road in Franklin Township back in November 2021.  According to North Central PA dot com, for the burglary charge, Richard Dale Hunley, along with two others, allegedly broke into the state police impound lot in Montoursville and removed items from a car that had been seized.  Hunley is free on 125 thousand dollars bail.

PERMANENT TRAFFIC LIGHT INSTALLED IN FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP

Motorists are advised that the reconstruction and bridge replacement project continues this week at Lycoming Mall Drive Fairfield Road in Fairfield Township. According to PennDOT, yesterday the temporary traffic signals were installed at the intersection of Fairfield Road and Lycoming Mall Drive. At this time, the temporary traffic signals at that intersection are in full activation mode. Check 511PA dot com to check road conditions 24/7 across PA.

MOVIE PROCEEDS BENEFIT MUNCY FIRE DEPARTMENT

Muncy Township Volunteer Fire Company will benefit from the proceeds today through Sunday when District Cinema at the former Lycoming Mall will show screenings of new and retro movies as a fundraiser.  According to Sun Gazette, in a recent news release, cinema operator Dipson Theaters who partnered with District Cinema LLC, says the soft opening of the theater this weekend, will include canned beer and mixed beverages for sale from Bald Birds Brewery Company that can be enjoyed during the show.  Theater executives say they are grateful for the dedication of the Muncy Volunteer firefighters and hope the donation this weekend will help continue their “noble work”.  Get details about the show times and listings online at thedistrict.dipsontheatres.com.

FATHER JAILED FOR NEGLECT OF MEDICAL ISSUES

A man from Mill Hall has been charged with felony endangerment of children after a Clinton County Children and Youth Services referral uncovered that three children in the home had serious medical needs that were neglected.  According to North Central PA dot com, 39 year old Robert Edward Winslow allegedly refused dental care for a teenage child who had been having serious pain since early 2023, as well as refusal to refill medication prescriptions for another child who suffered from mental health issues.  Winslow also refused to comply with caseworkers who visited the home dozens of times in 2023.  Winslow must answer to 5 felony counts of endangering the welfare of a child.  He remains incarcerated at Clinton County Prison in lieu of $150,000 bail.

JUVENILES PLEAD GUILTY TO POACHING DEER

A group of juveniles in Cambria County pleaded guilty to poaching deer in the fall of 2023.  According to State Police, the Game Warden received reports of what they called a “poaching spree” before they found 10 deer were killed at night and left to rot.  On the fourth night of the thrill killings, Troopers and Cresson Township police located and apprehended the suspects while they were actively engaged in the illegal activity.  They each were arraigned with the Cambria County juvenile probation office, and with their plea deal, were convicted of felony unlawful killing or taking of big game, $5,000 in fines, probation, 50 hours of community service, and multiple years of hunting license revocation.  If you know of  wildlife crimes, contact the toll-free hotline of Operation Game Thief at 1-888-PGC-8001.

BUMP STOCK BILL FAILS IN HARRISBURG

Proposed bills in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to ban bump stocks and formulate an electronic gun sale registry narrowly failed Tuesday, after lawmakers said the bills violate the second amendment, and the one about bump stocks duplicates federal laws.  According to the Center Square, House Bill 335 and 2206, both failed with a Democrat from Johnstown issuing the tie-breaking no-vote.

LYCOMING COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT SATURDAY

Lycoming College’s 176th Commencement ceremony is tomorrow and will feature the commencement address by Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter.  According to North Central PA dot com, Mayor Slaughter will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from Lycoming College during the ceremony. Cathryn Brought, a graduating senior from Wellsboro, will also speak at the commencent ceremony which will be held outdoors Saturday at 2pm on the Fultz Quad unless it rains. A decision about moving commencement indoors will be made by 9am at Lycoming.edu in the case of inclement weather.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Softball
Hughesville 20             Wellsboro  4
NP Liberty  14             Troy 1
Montgomery  21          St John Neumann  2  /5

NBA East/West Semifinals
Cavaliers  118              Celtics  94 tied 1-1
Mavericks  119            Thunder  110 tied 1-1
NBA Semifinals Tonight
Knicks vs Pacers  7pm ESPN  NY leads 2-0
Nuggets  vs Timberwolves  9:30pm ESPN MIN leads 2-0

MLB
White Sox  3                Guardians  2
Diamondbacks  5         Reds 4
Astros  4                       Yankees  3
Brewers  7                    Cardinals 1
MLB Tonight
Cubs vs Pirates 6:40pm
Yankees vs Rays  6:50pm
Dbacks vs Orioles 7:05 AppleTv
Phillies vs Marlins  7:10pm
Nationals  vs Red Sox  7:10pm

NHL
Rangers  3           Hurricanes 2 NY leads 3-0
Stars  5                Avalanche 3  tied 1-1
NHL Tonight
Panthers  vs Bruins  7pm TNT tied 1-1
Oilers vs Canucks 10pm TNT VAN leads  1-0NASCAR Sunday
Goodyear 400  Darlington Raceway – Darlington SC
Pre-Race  2pm/ Green Flag 3pm
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network/ WILQ’s HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 9, 2024

MAN WHO ATTEMPTED TO TRAFFICK TEENS SENTENCED

A man who pleaded no contest to attempting to traffic his 12 year old child and another 16 year old was sentenced to state prison after his hearing Tuesday in Lycoming County Court.  According to North Central PA dot com, court records say 41 year old Victor Eugene Booth and 36 year old Jennifer Lynn Gibbs, approached another man, and co-defendant Allen Arthur Frazier about trafficking the girls and were taking steps to groom them att he time.  Gibbs was sentenced to 2 to 5 years in prison earlier this year, and Booth agreed to testify against Frazier whose trial was set to start last week, but was continued.  Booth was sentenced to 2 to 4 years and will be on the sex offender registration and notification act (SORNA) list for 15 years upon release.

DRIVE-THRU RAGE BRINGS ABOUT AN ARREST FOR NC WOMAN

A 34 year old woman from North Carolina was arrested at the Dairy Queen in Selinsgrove after she became angry and threw a sauce cup at the drive-thru workers.  According to North Cetnral PA dot com, State troopers responded when Toneika Askew was in the drive thru line on April 30th at about 1:30pm and while shouting threw the sauce back through the windowstriking a 50 year old victim.  The woman was cited with disorderly conduct at the office of District Judge Scott A. Zeigler in Selinsgrove.

TONS OF TRASH COLLECTED IN APRIL FOR EARTH DAY IN NEPA

During Earth Day inspired cleanup activities between April 1st through the30th, over 950 volunteers collected over 40 thousand pounds of trash from 24 locations across the region.  Partnering communities and local organizations held events in partnership with the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful initiative which supported the volunteers by helping to secure no-cost cleanup materials such as bags, gloves, and safety vests.  Volunteers from Williamsport, South Williamsport,  Lock Haven, Jersey Shore, Newberry, Montgomery, Milton, Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Sunbury and other regions participated.

WILLIAMSPORT FOOTBALL STANDOUT, GARY BROWN, TO BE HONORED

One of the best running backs to ever play football at Williamsport Area High School will be memorialized with a street named for him where he grew up.  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport City Council anticipates approving an upcoming ordinance that will call a portion of Lycoming Street – the blocks between Walnut and Elmira Streets , Gary Leroy Brown Way.  Brown, who passed in 2022 from cancer at age 52, played college football for Penn State, and was then drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1991 beginning an NFL career that lasted 8 seasons, resulted in 4300 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns.

SHAMOKIN MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT

Police in Shamokin observed a man assault a woman and threaten with a handgun at the House of Wins on Monday, and took him into custody.  According to North Central PA dot com, 39 year old Terrance G. Mitchell, known as Razor, was seen at the East Independence street establishment arguing with and assaulting the victim, before police arrived on the scene.  Police say Mitchell is not able to carry a gun from a prior conviction, and they arrested him on charges of felony aggravated assault, possession of a firearm and other charges.  He was taken to Northumberland County Prison in liue of 75 thousand dollars bail.  His preliminary hearing is May 28th.

NURSE WHO KILLED 22 PEOPLE SENTENCED TO LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE

A Butler County woman who, as a nurse, intentionally administered lethal doses of insulin to patients at several skilled nursing facilities in 2022, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.  According to North Central PA dot com, Heather Pressdee pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder, and 19 counts of criminal attempt to commit murder after 22 patients in her care at different facilities in Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, and Westmoreland counties , died immediately or soon after from the insulin injections.  The PA Attorney General said that Pressdee was given three consecutive life sentences regarding three counts of first degree murder, plus 380 to 760 years of consecutive incarceration for the 19 counts of criminal attempt.  She was arrested and has remained incarcerated since May of 2023.

NEW MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY

There was a groundbreaking in Danville recently for a new mental health treatment facility that will be for in and outpatient treatment, for all ages to be run by Acadia Health care for Geisinger.  According to Geisinger, construction has begun on the state-of-the-art site at 206 Maria Hall Drive, and it will feature a 96-bed behavioral health hospital to address the growing need for accessible, high-quality behavioral health services in central Pennsylvania.  The facility is expect to open during the summer of 2025.

UPCOMING TALK ABOUT FLOODING AT LYCOMING COLLEGE

There will be a free talk about the history of flooding in Lycoming County by an award winning author who publishes books and photographs about rivers, conservation, and adventure travel, hosted by the Lycoming College Clean Water Institute this month.  According to North Central PA dot com, Tim Palmer, who wrote, “Seek Higher Ground: The Natural Solution To Our Urgent Flooding Crisis,” will speak May 17th at 2pm in the Barclay Room at Lycoming College and discuss how global warming will sharply intensify flooding, and will also provide an account of the Hurricane Agnes flood of 1972.  Find out more at Lycoming.edu.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 Baseball
Hughesville  5      Jersey Shore  4
Muncy  17                     Sugar Valley  5
Montgomery  15  Bucktail  0  /3
Softball  
Loyalsock  8         Warrior Run 1
South Wmsprt 7  Danville  5
Muncy  15                     Sugar Valley  0 /3
Selinsgrove  6       Williamsport 2

NBA
Knicks  130          Pacers  121 NY leads  2-0
NBA East/West Semifinals Tonight
Cavaliers  vs Celtics  7pm    BOS leads 2-0
Mavericks vs Thunder  9:30pm    OKC  leads 1-0

MLB
Guardians  5        Tigers  4
Angels 5               Pirates  4
Blue Jays  5          Phillies  3
Diamondbacks 4            Reds  3
Orioles  7             Nationals  6
Yankees  9                     Astros  4
Braves  5              Red Sox 0
Mets vs Cardinals postponed/rain
MLB Today
Arizona vs  Cincinnati 1:10pm
Houston vs NY Yankees  5:05
Cleveland vs Chicago  White Sox 7:40pm

NHL
East/West  2nd Round Playoffs
Panthers  6  Bruins  1  tied 1-1
Canucks  5  Oilers  4  VAN leads  1-0
NHL Tonight 2nd Round
Rangers vs Hurricanes  7pm TNT  NYR lead 2-0
Avalanche  vs Stars  9:30pm TNT  COL leads  1-0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 8, 2024

ACCIDENT SLOWED TRAFFIC ON I-180 EAST TUESDAY

There were big backups yesterday afternoon when a vehicle crash occurred on I-180 east in Loyalsock Township.  According to PennDOT, there was crawling  traffic in the area past the crash site at the Faxon exit, mile marker 26 at about 3:30pm which backed things up for about one and a half miles.  Drivers saw the lane restriction starting at the Market Street, Route 15 and Lewisburg interchange.  The traffic flow improved within the hour after clean up of the accident.

2013 SEX OFFENDER OUT ON SUPERVISED BAIL

A Williamsport man who is accused of two hundred felony sexual assault charges after a year-long relationship with a minor eleven years ago was in court Tuesday.  According to the Sun Gazette, 50 year old Joshua Carter Turner is facing the rape charges for actions that began at a business in Newberry where he worked when he was 35 years old which progressed between him and the 14 year old from 2012 to 2013.  Turner was initially denied bail for 30 felony charges each of statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children and more, after waiving his preliminary hearing this week he was given 150 thousand dollars supervised release.

CONTRACTOR ARRESTED FOR FRAUD

A contractor from Williamsport, who police say has a history of similar conduct, has been arrested for fraud after he took money for home repair last month and never did the work.  According to the Sun Gazette, the owner of PhaseUp Contracting, Jason Robert Yahn of Linden took 300 dollars from an elderly woman in April to repair a kitchen ceiling and never came back.  He was recently incarcerated for a felony charge of contractor fraud and also faces additional misdemeanor charges, including theft by deception, deceptive business practice and more.  He was jailed under five thousand dollars bail.

FREE BUS RIDES TODAY

There will be free rides on River Valley Transit buses today as a thank you to all passengers who use the bus system for transportation to work, school,  healthcare appointments, or recreation.  According to RVTA Executive Director Todd Wright says “Rider Appreciation Day” is a statewide initiative developed in coordination with the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Agency and the administrative staff are planning to make surprise appearances on undisclosed buses to hand out thank you gifts to riders.  River Valley Transit will not charge fares today in Williamsport and the surrounding areas including Muncy, Hughesville, Montoursville, Loyalsock, Montgomery and Jersey Shore.

VICTIM IN GAMBLE TOWNSHIP CRASH IDENTIFIED

The woman from Trout Run who was killed in a one car accident this week after the SUV she was driving went off the road in Gamble Township, has been identified.  According to the Sun Gazette, 40 year old Meralea Cook was traveling northbound on Sugar Camp Road and went off the roadway and down an embankment at about 3:15pm Monday.  There were no witnesses of the crash.  The Lycoming County coroner pronounced Cook dead at the scene after she suffered blunt force trauma injuries.  State police at Montoursville say Cook lived only a few miles from the crash site.

INMATE ARRESTED AFTER ESCAPING DURING WORK RELEASE

An inmate at Union County Prison has been charged with escape after he skipped his work release job in Lewsiburg and went to his girlfriend’s house instead for several hours.  According to North Central PA dot com, 50 year old Jamie Lee Heaney was on work release April 15th when he went missing.  Police say a few hours later, Heaney reported back to the jail, was drug tested, and came up positive.  He admitted smoking pot with his girlfriend while he was with her.  The escape charge against Heaney is a felony.  He has a preliminary hearing in Union County Court on May 23rd

BRIDGE WORK IN FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP

The reconstruction and bridge replacement project continues today at Lycoming Mall Drive and Fairfield Road in Fairfield Township.  According to PennDOT, the work yesterday, which included work on the bridge at Lycoming Mall Drive over Bennetts Run, continues today with the installation and activation of temporary traffic signals  which will be in  flashing mode at the intersection of Fairfield Road and Lycoming Mall Drive.  You may see lane shifts and single lane conditions with flagging during off-peak and overnight hours where work is being performed.

PENN COLLEGE EMPLOYEE CHOSEN AS WORLD SERIES UMPIRE

A man from Enola, PA who is an employee of Penn College of Technology as a senior program manager of commercial buildings for the college’s Clean Energy Center, has been chosen as one of 16 people chosen to be an umpire at the 77th edition of the Little League Baseball World Series.  According to Penn College, Zachary Gump was chosen in February after many years of umpiring beginning when he was a teenager though  earning his NCAA credentials to ump at the collegiate level.  Gump also participated in a weeklong umpire clinic at the Little League International Complex in 2015. IN this eleit position, he is guaranteed at least one game behind the plate and at each of the three bases. After four games, assignments will be based on performance.

SPORTS

PIAA HS
Baseball

Montoursville  2  Central Columbia 1
Canton  5             Wellsboro  3
Milton  7              Mount Carmel  6
Softball  
Bucktail  4                     Montgomery  2
Warrior  Run  17           Lewisburg 0  /3

MLB
Tigers  11             Guardians 7
Diamondbacks  6           Reds  2
Phillies  10           Blue Jays  1
Nationals  3          Orioles  0
Angels  9              Pirates  0
Yankees 10          Astros 3
Braves  4              Red Sox  2
Mets  7                 Cardinals  5
MLB Today
LA Angels  vs Pittsburgh  12:35pm
Toronto Blue Jays  vs Phillies 1:05pm
Detroit vs Cleveland  1:10pm
Mets vs St Louis  1:15pm ESPN+
Baltimore vs Washington  6:45pm
Houston vs Yankees 7:05pm
Boston Red Sox vs Atlanta Braves  7:20pm

NBA East/West Semifinals
Celtics 120                     Cavaliers 95  BOS leads 1-0
Thunder 117        Mavericks  95 OKC leads 1-0
NBA Tonight
Pacers vs Knicks 8pm TNT NY Leads 1-0NHL Playoffs 2nd Round
Rangers 4             Hurricanes  4 NYR lead 2-0
Avalanche  4        Stars  3 COL leads 1-0
NHL Tonight
Bruins vs Panthers  7:30pm ESPN Game 3
Oilers  vs  Canucks  10pm ESPN Game 2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 7, 2024

UPDATE ABOUT VICTIMS IN ROUTE 15 SOUTH SPUR CRASH

One of the two men involved in the tractor trailer accident that occurred on the Route 15 south Spur on May 2nd, remains hospitalized with serious injuries.  According to the Sun Gazette, the driver of the truck hauling dog biscuits that flipped over Thursday evening and rerouted traffic for a few hours was identified as 24 year old Quamir Boyd of Philadelphia, and after treatment at UPMC Williamsport was discharged.  His passenger, 46 year old Angel Garcia Jr, of the Bronx, NY was still at Williamsport’s Intensive Care unit in serious condition.  The accident was cleaned up on Friday. 

MAN CHARGED WITH STRANGLING HIS WIFE

A man from Waterville has been arrested for strangling his wife during a domestic disturbance April 5th and again in an incident the day after.  According to the Sun Gazette, 42 year old Brett Wayne Rogers, faces felony charges of strangulation, simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment that allegedly took place inside the couple’s home at the 10 thousand block of Route 44 North.  Rogers was arraigned and jailed in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail.

NEW TOP EXECUTIVE AT PA GAME COMMISSION

The top official at the PA Game Commission has resigned after the Board of Game Commissioners determined a side job as a wellness coach created inappropriate business relationships within the department.  According to North Central PA dot com, the board said they have voiced concerns, but they are not about the leadership abilities of the executive director.  Bryan Burhans, who has held the directorship for 7 years, stepped down last Monday.  His replacement, Stephen Smith, the commission’s deputy executive director since February said he would call for an independent third-party review of the commission’s supplement employment policies.

FISH LADDER IN WILLIAMSPORT IS MALFUNCTIONING

The fish ladder, near the Hepburn Street Dam in Williamsport is not operating properly and DCNR Tiadaghton Forest District officials say they need a diver to go in and check the condition of a broken gate that is blocking the flow through the structure.  According to North Central PA dot com, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association officials say  the passageway for fish to swim upriver past the structure is not getting enough water flowing through it for fish to move.  DCNR recently improved the cleaning schedule of the area and has cleaned debris from the structure which they say helps, but a timeline for the repair of the gateway has not yet been announced. 

FATAL CRASH IN GAMBLE TOWNSHIP

A woman from Trout Run was killed in an accident Monday after the SUV she was driving went off the road and struck three trees as it plunged down an embankment in Gamble Township.  According to the Sun gazette, the driver has not yet been publicly identified as authorities were notifying family members, but police say the Lycoming County coroner pronounced the woman dead at the scene of Sugar Camp Road where the vehicle went off the road at about 3:15pm.  State police at Montoursville completed an investigation of the crash site and will release more information as it becomes available.

SELINSGROVE NURSE CHARGED WITH STEALING MEDS

An RN at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg allegedly stole pain medication while she was on duty there; logging that she had administered the medicine to patients.  According to North Central PA dot com, 40 year old Stefanie Ann Kreamer, of Selinsgrove is facing several felonies over two incidents police say occurred in March.   After several interviews and denying her involvement, Kreamer eventually admitted to authorities that she falsified some patients’ pain levels in order to justify administering the Oxycodone and took the pills home. Officials were alerted to the missing drugs through a report from an automated pill dispenser. Kreamer was arraigned, with bail set at 10 thousand dollars and a preliminary hearing coming up May 23rd.

COMMUNITY INVITED TO HELP DESIGN LOCK HAVEN PARK

There is a Design Day planned in Lock Haven for May 9th  so that kids and adults can come and give input for a redesign of Hoberman Park this summer.  According to the Lock Haven Express, the city and partners, ‘Kaboom!’ and the Pennsylvania Municipal League are planning a kid-designed play space that they hope will spark joy and unite communities.  The meeting will be at the STEP community center on East Walnut Street in Lock Haven this Thursday from 5 to 6:30pm.  Those unable to attend are encouraged to go online and participate in a survey at lockhavenpa.gov.  The build will be at Hoberman Park August 1st through the 3rd.

MS SEMINAR FOR THE PUBLCI AT UPMC WILLIAMSPORT

Doctors from UPMC are hosting a discussion on the diagnosis and treatment of MS for interested members of the public next Thursday evening.  According to North Central PA dot com, neurology experts will hold the discussion about signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis, diagnosis, treatment and support, as well as information for caregivers and loved ones.  Registration is required for the event at UPMC Williamsport’s Walnut Room at 700 High St., on May 16th at 5pm, call 570-320-2135.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Baseball
Williamsport  9    Central Mountain 6
Loyalsock  11       Sayre 1
Hughesville  3      Wellsboro  1
South Wmsprt  4           Midd-West  1
Line Mountain  9           St John  Neumann  7
Warrior Run 6      Jersey Shore  1
Canton  11                     Sullivan County 2
Softball 
South Wmsprt 14          Shikellamy  3
Muncy  9              Bloomsburg 5
Boys Tennis 
Holidaysburg  4  Central Mountain  1

NBA Playoffs
Knicks  121          Pacers  117 NY leads 1-0
Timberwolves  106  Nuggets  80 MIN leads 2-0
NBA Tonight
Celtics  vs Cavaliers  7pm TNT East Semi-finals  Game 1
Mavericks vs Thunder West Semi-finals  Game 1

MLB
Guardians  2        Tigers  1
Phillies  6             Giants  1
Pirates  4              Angels  1
Mets  4                 Cardinals  3
MLB Tonight
Detroit vs Cleveland  6:10pm
LA Angels  vs Pirates 6:40pm
Toronto vs Phila  6:40pm
Houston vs NY Yankees  7:05pm  TBS
Boston Red Sox vs Atlanta Braves  7:20pm

NHL
Bruins  5     Panthers 1
NHL Tonight
Hurricanes vs NY Rangers  7pm ESPN  East 2nd Round Game 2 NYR lead 1-0
Avalanche vs Stars 9:3pm ESPN    West 2nd Round Game 1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 6, 2024

ROUTE 220 SHUT DOWN SATURDAY AFTER FATAL WRECK

There was a fatal truck crash that shut down Route 220 in Muncy Township Saturday around noon, that involved an elderly man from Montoursville.  According to the Lycoming County Coroner’s Office,  87 year old William E. Messersmith  was traveling on Rt. 220 when his vehicle suddenly left the roadway and struck  a tree east of Oak Run Lane.  He was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, and sustained no lethal traumatic injuries and may have suffered a medical episode before the accident.  Messersmith was pronounced dead at the scene and Route 220 was closed for several hours.  State police, Muncy Township and Hughesville firefighters were on the scene and PennDOT reopened Route 220 after 2:30pm.

EASEMENTS APPROVED FOR RIVERWALK CONSTRUCTION

Williamsport City Council, at their meeting Thursday, approved easement rights to properties on West Third Street, Rose Street, parcels on Elm Street and Berger Alley with the county so that the planned extension of the Susquehanna River Walk construction can continue.  According to North Central PA dot com, the easement agreements were needed between the city and Lycoming County that had gotten initial approval late last year.  Zoning officials say the additional segment broadens access to the River Walk, a key recreational amenity of the greater Williamsport community, and will cost over 100 thousand dollars.  The costs will be covered by grants through Lycoming County and DCNR.

SPRING REGATTA PLANNED IN LOCK HAVEN

The Delaware Valley Outboard Racing Association has planned a Spring regatta next weekend in Lock Haven.  In the spirit of the annual Jaycees Labor Day regatta that will still be held on Aug. 31, the spring event the first of its kind in the city, starts Saturday May 11th at 7am and will continue through Sunday at 5pm.  Find information about registration form for the event can be found here: form.jotform.com/241155697646164, of Google “Delaware Valley Outboard Racing Association”

PA’S PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FROM BELLEFONTE

The principal of Bellefonte Area High School has been named Principal of the year for 2024 by the Pennsylvania Principals Association.  According to the Lock Haven Express, Michael Fedisson was chosen by a committee of his peers for his leadership and extraordinary contributions to his school, students and community.  As a graduate of Bellefonte Area High School himself, he started his career at Bellefonte Middle as a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher in 2003.  Fedisson is now a candidate for the National Secondary Principal of the Year.

WOMAN ARRESTED TRYING TO VISIT INMATE

A Philadelphia woman who was trying to visit an inmate at SCI Coal Township, was arrested last month after a K-9 officer alerted staff to the presence of drugs.  According to state police at Stonington, 31 year old Bahtia Greene was signing in when staff called state police to conduct a search of her and her vehicle which turned up narcotics and paraphernalia.  She faces two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct obscene language and has a preliminary hearing June 11th.

UPGRADES PLANNED FOR WATER METERS IN CITY

A grant has been given to the Lycoming Water and Sewer Authority that will upgrade customer meters with an advanced system and smart meters that will allow the authority to get meter information in real time.  According to the Sun Gazette, during the authority’s monthly meeting, the grant totaling 360 thousand dollars was approved from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission’s Consumptive Use Mitigation program and will be able to use the new technology to read meters monthly instead of quarterly, allowing them to detect leaks sooner within the Limestone water system, while also using new system pressure and flow monitoring devices.

PA LEGISLATORS ADDRESS CONCERNS OVER SENIOR CARE

Legislators in Harrisburg are considering their response to the concerns from those who care for seniors, that there is underfunding of nursing homes and long term care facilities as the elderly population in Pennsylvania continues to grow.  According to statistics on aging, by 2030, 1-in-5 Pennsylvanians will be 65 or older, and advocates for the elderly say Medicare reimbursement rates don’t match what it actually costs to provide care with the funding gap allegedly more than a billion dollars.  Those who are 85 and older is the fastest growing population in the Commonwealth.

LOW FLYING DRILL PROPOSAL CANCELLED

The proposal to use the PA Wilds Region by the Maryland Air National Guard so they could conduct training drills at a minimum of 170 days out of the year at low altitude has been rescinded.  According to the Lock Haven Express, the proposal has faced opposition from Senator John Fetterman, Senator  Bob Casey as well as the Clinton County Commissioners, who held a webinar last May to encourage public comment, for or against the Duke Military Operating Area.  The 13-county Pennsylvania Wilds region contains the greatest concentration of public lands in PA and accounts for $1.8 billion in tourism.

SPORTS

MLB
Guardians 4         Angels  1
Pirates  5              Rockies  3
Yankees  5                     Tigers  2
Nationals  11        Blue Jays  8
Rays  7                 Mets  6
Red Sox  9                     Twins  2
Dodgers  5                     Braves  1
Orioles  11                     Reds 1
MLB Today
Giants  vs Phillies  4:05pm
Detroit vs Cleveland 6:10pm FS1
LA Angels  vs Pirates  6:40pm

NBA Playoffs
Cavaliers  106      Magic  94  CLE wins series 4-3
NBA Tonight
Pacers vs Knicks 7:30pm  TNT East Semi-finals Game 1
Timberwolves vs Nuggets  10pm  TNT  West Semi-finals Game 2  MIN leads 1-0

NHL Playoffs
Stars  2       Golden Knights 1  West 1st Round  Game 7 DAL wins series  4-3
Rangers  4  Hurricanes  3  East 2nd Round Game 1  NYR leads 1-0
NHL Tonight
Bruins vs Panthers 8pm ESPN  East 2nd Round Game 1 

NASCAR
Kyle Larson got the photo finish at Kansas Speedway Sunday finishing a thousandth of a second before Chris Buescher at the Advent Health 400.  Chase Elliot was 3rd  Martin Truex Jr 4th and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top 5

Horse Racing
* At the 150th Kentucky Derby Satruday, Mystik Dan was first to the wire in front of 156,710 at Churchill Downs, the largest Derby crowd since 2018.
* Sierra Leone took 2nd by a nose, with Forever Young was another nose back in third. It was the closest three-horse photo finish since 1947

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 2, 2024

POLICE STANDOFF LOCKS DOWN JERSEY SHORE HOSPITAL

Following a domestic disturbance between a mother and her adult son Wednesday, there was a stand off  between police and a Jersey Shore man, who is now  in custody.  According to North Central PA dot com, police were called to the 300 block of Glover Street just before noon yesterday, after the home owner called police when Matthew James Munro had kicked the door in and entered without permission.  As Lycoming Regional police negotiated with Munro,  who was still inside, he threatened to unload  a 9mm service weapon, and they called for more officers.  Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital went on lock down yesterday out on abundance of caution, but Munro surrendered about 1:30pm and was taken to Lycoming County Prison on no bail.

FIRE ON PACKER ISLAND WEDNESDAY

Dozens of firefighters responded to a blaze on Packer Island Wednesday morning after crews were called just before 2am.  According to the Daily Item, the three people who lived at the home along East Drive in Upper Augusta Township escaped uninjured along with their pets, but have been displaced after there was heavy fire and water damage to the second floor.  Over ten companies from the area assisted with the blaze.  The state fire marshal was on the scene but the fire was not considered suspicious. 

CAR ACCIDENT INVOLVING WARRIOR RUN SCHOOL DISTRICT BUS

Police are investigating an accident Tuesday afternoon that involved a Jeep and a Warrior Run School District school bus. According to the Daily Item, Watsontown police were called to the rear-end crash that happened at the intersection of Sixth and Main Streets while both vehicles were traveling south.  Twenty-five students were on the bus and EMS responded and evaluated the passengers.  No one was injured, and all parents were notified after the incident. 

SPRAYING FOR SPONGY MOTHS TO START

As spongy moth caterpillars have emerged, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is announcing the start of aerial spraying of state woodlands to combat the outbreaks.  DCNR says 185 sites totaling over  227 thousand  acres in portions of 12 state forests and 18 state parks, in 20 counties throughout Northeast and central PA will be sprayed using two helicopters and six fixed-wing aircraft.  The insecticides must be ingested by young caterpillars as they feed on foliage.  The substances are regularly used in agriculture and are subject to State and Federal environmental review – deemed safe for use.

MAN WANTED IN PHILLY TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

The U.S. Marshals Service arrested a man yesterday in Williamsport who was wanted on murder charges in Philadelphia.  According to North Central PA dot com, 34 year old Calvin Solomon was taken into custody without incident at the 700 block of West Edwin Street.  Solomon is facing homicide, and abuse of a corpse charges and lesser charges from an investigation of case from June of 2022, and awaits extradition in Lycoming County Prison following his preliminary hearing during which he was denied bail.

MORE DETAILS ON MILTON SHOOTING

The third man involved in the Milton shooting last week has been identified by police after more details were released about the case.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say Nathaniel Rivera was shot by 21 year old Victhian Jovier Pitre-Rodriguez, of Sunbury after a fight at the 20 block of Broadway Street in which the two struggled over a firearm.  Rivera was shot twice, Pitre-Rodriguez shot himself in the leg when the gun malfunctioned, and both were hospitalized.  With a search warrant, following reports of the shooting, police discovered 28-year-old Jose A. Rodriguez Lassalle who lived near the shooting scene, had a firearm with a destroyed serial number in his apartment similar to one found near the scene of the shooting, and he was incarcerated.  Rivera has undergone several surgeries and remains hospitalized.  Pitre-Rodgriguez was charged with aggravated assault and more and is in Northumberland County Prison.

RESTING PLACE SOUGHT FOR MONTOUR COUNTY CREMAINS

Montour County Commissioners are seeking a way to appropriately manage 90 sets of cremains that the coroner has stored from people who have died in the county whose remains are unclaimed.  According to media outlets,  the Chief Deputy Coroner in Montour County said at the commissioners meeting this week that unclaimed ashes from about 90 people have been stored in the facility from as far back as 2005.  Officials in Danville say a donated spot in Odd Fellow’s Cemetery could hold a small mausoleum, and if donations could support it, provide a permanent resting place for the cremains.  They expect to propose  fundraising endeavors to fund this project.

NO POINT-DRIVE IN THIS YEAR

Owners of the Point-Drive in theater have announced on social media that they will not be opening their business for the 2024 season.  According to the Daily Item, the family that owns the drive-in says they would love to see someone new step up to  run the place, since after some health issues within the family, they cannot handle running the business this year.  The theater first opened as the Arrow Drive-In in June of 1952, closed in 1956 for a year and then reopened as the Point drive in 1957 under the 35 year ownership of Dave Renn.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 Baseball

Central Mountain  7      Jersey Shore  2
Hughesville  10    Southern Columbia 4
Loyalsock  15                Bloomsburg  0
Danville  8                               Montoursville  7
South Williamsport  15           Wellsboro  3

Softball 

Muncy  15                     Sullivan  County 0
Montoursville  6  Milton  1
Montgomery  14  Sayre  7

MLB
Guardians  3        Astros  2
A’s  4                   Pirates 0
Braves  5              Mariners  2
Phillies  2             Angels 1
Padres  6              Reds  2
NY Yankees  2     Orioles  0
Cubs  1                 Mets  0
Red Sox  6                     Giants  2
Nationals  1          Rangers  0
MLB Today
Yankees vs Orioles  1:05pm
Cubs vs Mets  1:10pm
Giants vs Red Sox  1:35pm
Washington vs Texas  2:35
Cleveland vs Houston 8:10pm

NBA
Celtics  118          Heat 84  BOS wins series 4-1
Mavericks  123    Clippers  93  DAL leads  3-2
NBA Tonight
Bucks vs Pacers  6:30pm TNT  IND leads  3-2
Knicks vs 76ers  9pm TNT  NY leads  3-2NHL
Stars  3  Golden Knights  2  DAL leads 3-2
Oilers  4  Kings  3  EDM wins series 4-1
NHL Tonight
Bruins  vs Maple Leafs  Game 6  8pm TBS  BOS leads  3-2

Last Day of the 2023-2024 School Year

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22ND

MIFFLINBURG

THURSDAY, MAY 23RD

LINE MOUNTAIN

TUESDAY, MAY 28TH

TOWANDA

THURSDAY, MAY 30TH

JERSEY SHORE

MIDD-WEST

MILTON

WYALUSING

FRIDAY, MAY 31ST

BLOOMSBURG

CANTON

MONTGOMERY

MT. CARMEL

SELINSGROVE

SHAMOKIN

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

TROY

WARRIOR RUN

TUESDAY, JUNE 4TH

DANVILLE

KEYSTONE CENTRAL

LEWISBURG

MILLVILLE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5TH

BENTON

CENTRAL COLUMBIA

WILLIAMSPORT

THURSDAY, JUNE 6TH

EAST LYCOMING

MONTOURSVILLE

ST. JOHN NEUMANN

SULLIVAN COUNTY

WELLSBORO

FRIDAY, JUNE 7TH

MUNCY

SOUTHERN TIOGA

THURSDAY, JUNE 13TH

BERWICK

LOYALSOCK

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 1, 2024

MORE DETAILS RELEASED ON FATAL SHOOTING OF TEEN

Police have released details about the fatal shooting of 15 year old Ahmeen Palmer in Loyalsock Township March 2nd, including information surrounding the arrest of the mother of the suspected shooter, 37 year old Johneice Francin Legare.  According to PennLive, new charges against Legare are sealed at this time, but police say Legare’s 13 year old son was with alleged gang members at the party where Palmer was also in attendance.  When the mother learned who was at the party, she drove her older son to the location to settle a previous beef.  According to court testimony, the younger son got in Legare’s car after 6:30pm, shortly after shots were heard and the shooter, dressed in black, also got in the vehicle and fled the scene. They allegedly went to Philadelphia and discarded evidence along the way including with a firearm and a cell phone.  Legare was arrested in Philadelphia March 6th and is being held without bail.  Her older son – the shooting suspect, remains at large.

POLICE ARREST MAN WITH LANCASTER COUNTY WARRANT ON RT 15

A man formerly from Loyalsock Township was taken into custody after a traffic stop on Route 15 in South Williamsport last Friday.  According to the Sun Gazette, when Northwest Regional police stopped 25 year old Alrashwan Jones just before 5pm they found a warrant for his arrest out of Elizabethtown in Lancaster County for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, he was charged as a fugitive of justice in Lycoming County and jailed in lieu of 95 thousand dollars bail.

TOOLS STOLEN FROM CONSTURCTION COMPANY

Almost 4 thousand dollars-worth of tools were stolen from two construction trailers in Valley Township owned by Glenn O. Hawbaker over the weekend of April 5th through 8th.  According to North Central PA dot com, State Police at Milton say a suspect got onto the site at Valley West Road and stole all the tools from the trailer, mostly Milwaukee and Stihl tools with the initials GOH carved into them.  Troopers say the thief got away with a Milwaukee hammer drill, two Stihl chop saws with the initials, and a Milwaukee cordless kit.  Call State police at Milton if you have any information – 570-524-2662.  Ref # PA24-456145.

CROSSCUTTERS 5K COMING UP

Crosscutters baseball season starts for the summer of 2024 on June 4th, and with that, the annual Cutters 5K to benefit Hope Enterprises and The Hope Foundation is also coming up Saturday, June 8th.  According to the Crosscutters dot com, the race will start at the ballpark’s main gate and go through Williamsport’s West End with the last leg of the run planned for inside the stadium.  It’s 25 dollars per person til May 17th for the guaranteed shirt, with registration starting at 8am and the race kickoff at 9am.  All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate.  The winners will throw in ceremonial first pitches at a cutters game in June.

FORGERY CHARGES AGAINST DOUBLE HOMOCIDE SUSPECT

Troy Bailey, Sr., the suspect in the double homicide in Williamsport of Alicia Seese and Ronald Dailey last January, has formally been charged with additional forgery and identity theft charges.  According to North Central PA dot after further investigation, police found that Bailey Sr. did not have permission to use his son’s Social security number to gain employment that ultimately led him to be employed at the same company as Alicia Seese, his victim. Troy Bailey Jr is incarcerated, serving a 20 to 40 year sentence on 3rd degree murder and other charges.  Bailey Sr., charged with the 12 counts each of second-degree felony forgery and identity theft, is also being charged with the double homicide and of sexual abuse of Seese’s minor children and roommate. He remains jailed without bail.

MAN  FOUND SLEEPING INSIDE HOME ARRESTED

A Montoursville man was charged with third-degree felony criminal trespassing, loitering and disorderly conduct after being found asleep inside an Anthony Street home April 25th without knowing the owner. According to North Central PA dot com 36-year-old Kyle Houseknecht was awakened by the homeowner at about 6am and asked to leave.  Housknecht ignored the homeowner. Shortly after, he was followed by police as he ran away on Seventh Street and refused to acknowledge commands, trying to elude officers.  He was taken into custody and arraigned, and is free on 15 thousand dollars bail.

MAN  FOUND SLEEPING INSIDE HOME ARRESTED

A Montoursville man was charged with third-degree felony criminal trespassing, loitering and disorderly conduct after being found asleep inside an Anthony Street home April 25th without knowing the owner. According to North Central PA dot com 36-year-old Kyle Houseknecht was awakened by the homeowner at about 6am and asked to leave.  Housknecht ignored the homeowner. Shortly after, he was followed by police as he ran away on Seventh Street and refused to acknowledge commands, trying to elude officers.  He was taken into custody and arraigned, and is free on 15 thousand dollars bail.

LEGISLATION AGAINST PIGEON SHOOTS APPROVED

A Bucks County lawmaker recently introduced legislation that will prohibit live pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania, with the State House Judiciary Committee recently approving the bipartisan House Bill #2139.  According to WTAJ, State Representative Perry Warren said dog fighting, cock fighting, and greyhound racing have already been prohibited in the Commonwealth, and that raising pigeons in captivity for sport should not be exempt from the animal cruelty laws.

PA RESCUE SEEKS TROUT FOR RECOVERING EAGLE

A Lancaster County eagle rescue organization is asking for donations of trout to help a previously poisoned eagle recover.  According to a social media post by Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, the PA Game commission brought the eagle to the center March 16th after being found in a field in Gap, AP, and tests showed high levels of lead.  After being hand fed for a few weeks, the eagle now can eat fish on its own and prefers trout, so the center is looking for help from local anglers. Individuals arrange a donation of trout by texting or calling the center at 717-808-2652.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Softball

Montoursville  12          Milton  0
Muncy  16                     St. John Neumann  0
Loyalsock  13       Warrior Run  4
Shikellamy  11     Jersey Shore  5
Williamsport  8    Selinsgrove  4
Mifflinburg  16     Lewisburg 1
HS Baseball

Neumann   4         Benton  3
Muncy 15             CMVT  0

MLB

Astros 10             Guardians 9
Cardinals  2          Tigers 1
Orioles  4             Yankees 2
Mets  4                 Cubs  2
Red Sox  4                     Giants  0
Rangers  7            Nationals 1
Phillies 7              Angels  5
Mariners  3                    Braves  2
Padres  6              Reds  4
A’s  5                   Pirates  2
MLB Today

Pittsburgh vs Oakland  3:37pm
Phillies vs LA Angels  4:07pm
NY Yankees  vs Orioles  6:35pm
Cubs vs Mets  7:10pm
Cleveland vs Houston  8:10pm


NBA Playoffs
76ers 112             Knicks  106  NY leads 3-2
Cavaliers  104      Magic  103  CLE leads  3-2
Bucks  115                     Pacers  92  IND leads  3-2
NBA Tonight
Heat vs Celtics  7:30pm TNT BOS leads  3-1
Mavericks  vs Clippers  10pm TNT  tied 2-2

NHL Playoffs
Maple Leafs   2    Bruins  1 BOS leads 3-2
Hurricanes  6        Islanders  3  CAR wins series 4-1
Avalanche  6        Jets  3 COL wins series 4-1
Predators  2          Canucks  1  VAN leads  3-2
NHL Tonight
Golden Knights vs  Stars  7:30pm ESPN  tied 2-2
Kings  vs Oilers  10pm ESPN EDM leads  3-1

Facebook